Legionnaires re-enact 250th anniversary reading of Declaration of Independence

Department of Michigan leadership portray key figures to share the story of the first public reading of America’s independence. 

On July 8, 1776, Col. John Nixon gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence to a crowd gathered in Philadelphia’s State House Yard, now known as Independence Hall, to announce America’s independence. Now, 250 years later, that same reading was delivered by Legionnaire Brett Holt portraying Nixon on the lawn of Michigan’s State Capitol in Lansing to a crowd of American Legion Family and community members.  

“…. We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved …,” Holt read as he delivered the entirety of the Declaration of Independence to the crowd dressed as Nixon. 

Following his reading, the crowd exclaimed, “Huzza! Huzza! Huzza!” And a bell rang. 

The Department of Michigan’s celebration of America’s 250^th birthday was held July 8 at 2 p.m. Department leadership dressed in period attire and portrayed key leaders that led to America’s independence, including Holt and Adjutant Ron Runyan, who played Thomas Jefferson; a performance was given by the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps; the story behind the Declaration of Independence was shared by Benjamin Franklin re-enactor Bob Stark; and a closing salute was provided by the Post 502 honor guard from Elsie. 

“I wanted to do something that was more towards Americanism, patriotism, citizenship and education,” said Holt, the Department of Michigan’s judge advocate, alternate National Executive Committeeman and chairman of the department’s 250^th celebration committee. “We do have four pillars, and Americanism is one of them, and this is our perfect opportunity to display our Americanism. So that's exactly what we're doing here.” 

Before the idea to re-enact the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776, came to fruition, Holt connected with America250 to ask what celebration events were happening in the state. They shared that many people were to read the Declaration of Independence at 6 p.m. on July 4. When he learned the State Capitol had nothing planned, he asked for permission to use the grounds to host the re-enactment, which became the backdrop of history shared and the Legion’s visible presence in the community. 

Many American Legion and Sons of The American Legion members attending held their respective flags. 

“We have a lot of Legion and SAL flags that are here as a result,” Holt said. “And you see all the Legionnaires here in their Legion caps. This is just everything I kind of hoped that it would turn out to be.” 

During his reading as Benjamin Franklin, Stark shared that six of the original 13 Colonies did not want independence – New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and South Carolina. But with guidance from Roger Sherman, and Richard Henry Lee’s words of “We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies need to be independent,” they voted yes.

“Do we go independent … it was a unanimous yes,” Stark said. “We had 13 unanimous for that independence.” From there, “our job was to make sure people understood what we had done” which resulted in reading the Declaration of Independence to crowds in places such as Philadelphia’s State House Yard.   

“We didn’t hear of any other organization celebrating the reading of the Declaration of Independence and nobody really knew the history of the 8^th of July. So Brett was the foremost person to say that we really should be doing this,” said Runyan, “to give a little of our history back. And some of our youth now will have a better understanding as well.” 

In his role as Thomas Jefferson, Runyan shared in his speech that “Independence, unity and liberty are not nearly abstract ideas. They are the interlocking colors upon which a resilient and thriving society is built. While each possessing distinct essence, they function most effectively as a cohesive whole. The relationship between these three values is delicate and a dynamic balance. A society that achieves a harmony of independence, unity and liberty creates an environment where human potential can totally flourish. When citizens feel secure in their independence, connected to their neighbors, and empowered to pursue their aspirations, they become architects of a sustainable and prosperous future.”

While pleased overall with the celebration event and turnout, Holt said it was the youth in attendance that he was most happy with. “Because they are the ones that need to hear this story.”